If Democrats thought a felony indictment might subdue Alaska’s senior senator, they might want to think again.

New campaign ads from Republican Sen. Ted Stevens show that he’s not only running for re-election, but doing it with a renewed vigor that plays off his courtroom woes.

“I wouldn’t change out my senator right now for a bet on anything,” declares one Alaskan in new commercials now airing statewide.

“Without Ted, We’re Toast,” says another Stevens constituent.

“I trust his judgment. That’s why I voted for him,” adds a third.

Stevens is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 24 in federal court on seven felony charges that he made false statements on his Senate financial disclosure statements. The case was expedited at Stevens’ request, and his supporters believe that if he’s acquitted it’ll provide a boost for his re-election campaign.

Stevens had already been targeted by the Democrats as vulnerable before his indictment July 29. The party recruited Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich to run against Stevens, and recent polls indicate that he has a fair shot at knocking him off.

But Stevens still has a loyal following, that — indictment or not — doesn’t plan on throwing in the towel.

“Wouldn’t it be nuts to throw out all that experience,” says one of those loyalists in an ad that emphasizes Steven’ nearly 40 years in the Senate.